Mental Issues with 2 Month Old Polish Lace

[Doughnut]

Hello everyone. Hoping someone might be able to help me understand what in the heck is going on with one of my chickens. There are 11 young chickens about 12 weeks old. Americauanas, Mottled Houdans, Silkie Bantams and Polish Lace. All of them except the one Polish Lace are normal when it comes to eating and scratching the ground, etc.... The one Polish walks around like it doesn't know what to do. When I put fruit and vegies in their coop, all of them come running up and start grabbing tidbits and eating. The one Polish acts like it can't find the dish with the goodies in it. I have put tidbits in front of him/her and off they walk. He/she does walk up to the others chickens and tries to grab what they have, but is not sucessful and wanders off. I have yet to see him/her scratch the ground. However I have watched him/her eat the chicken scratch and drink water just fine and the poo is normal.

Is it possible that this one particular chicken is not, well, mentally not all there? Or possibly has sight issues? He/she is very, very timid. Not a lot of socializing with the others.

The other chickens don't harm our special one at all.

Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

 

[gritsar]

I would guess a sight issue.

 

[joy]

This is normal behaviour with my polish. Due to their crest covering most of their eyes they cannot see as well as their view is restricted. Hence they are easy to pick up and reach any food last. If she is one polish in a mixed bunch of chickens you can either gently cut as much feather carefully around the eyes or place a band around her crown or just leave her be, she will not starve. Mine are gentle birds anyway.

 

[Doughnut]

Thank you. Yes, her feathers are beginning to cover her/his eyes. I will snip a little bit and watch her/him to see if there is any change. I just feel so sorry that she/he isn't like the rest of the 'herd'. Kind of like a wall flower syndrome and I want her/him to fit in.

Thanks again.

 

[joy]

I think she will always appear more aloof than the others,but will be easy to handle . Most birds do not see her as a threat in any way and so are fairly kind to her. Enjoy her/his different personality,He/ she will be just fine.